Crying vs Wailing: When To Use Each One In Writing

Have you ever wondered about the difference between crying and wailing? Both words describe a form of vocal expression, but they are not interchangeable. Crying is a more common term, while wailing is often associated with intense emotion or mourning.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, crying means to shed tears often with accompanying sounds of lamentation or grief. It is a natural response to sadness, pain, or frustration. On the other hand, wailing is defined as a prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger. It is often associated with mourning or lamentation and is more intense than crying.

In this article, we will explore the differences between crying and wailing in more detail, including their emotional and cultural implications.

Define Crying

Crying is a natural human response to a range of emotions, including sadness, joy, frustration, and pain. It involves the shedding of tears from the eyes and is often accompanied by facial expressions, such as a furrowed brow or a downturned mouth. Crying can be triggered by both positive and negative experiences, and it is a way for the body to release pent-up emotions and relieve stress.

Define Wailing

Wailing is a more intense and prolonged form of crying that is often associated with grief or extreme emotional distress. It involves loud, mournful cries that may be accompanied by physical gestures such as rocking back and forth or clutching one’s chest. Wailing is often seen as a cultural or religious expression of mourning, and it may be used to convey a sense of deep sorrow or loss.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to expressing emotions through language, it is important to use the right words to convey the intended meaning. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of the words “crying” and “wailing” in a sentence.

How To Use “Crying” In A Sentence

The word “crying” is often used to describe the act of shedding tears, whether it is due to sadness, pain, or joy. Here are some examples of how to use “crying” in a sentence:

• She couldn’t stop crying after watching the emotional movie.
• The baby is crying because he is hungry.
• He was crying tears of joy when he received the good news.

It is important to note that “crying” can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is causing tears. For example:

• The crying baby woke up the entire neighborhood.
• She was holding a crying child in her arms.

How To Use “Wailing” In A Sentence

The word “wailing” is often used to describe a loud and mournful cry that is associated with grief or extreme pain. Here are some examples of how to use “wailing” in a sentence:

• The mourners were wailing at the funeral.
• The injured man was wailing in agony.
• The sound of wailing sirens filled the air.

It is important to note that “wailing” is typically used in situations where the crying is more intense and expressive than just shedding tears. It conveys a sense of despair and anguish that is not present in the word “crying”.

More Examples Of Crying & Wailing Used In Sentences

When it comes to expressing emotions, crying and wailing are two common ways to let it all out. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Crying In A Sentence

• She couldn’t stop crying after hearing the news.
• He was crying tears of joy when he saw his newborn baby.
• The little girl started crying when she lost her favorite toy.
• They were crying together at the funeral.
• She tried to hide her crying from her coworkers.
• He was caught crying during the sad movie.
• The baby’s constant crying kept the parents up all night.
• She was crying out of frustration after failing the test.
• He was crying from the pain of his broken leg.
• The actress was crying on stage during the emotional scene.

Examples Of Using Wailing In A Sentence

• The mourners were wailing at the funeral procession.
• The baby was wailing loudly in the middle of the night.
• The woman was wailing in agony after breaking her arm.
• The sirens were wailing as the ambulance rushed to the scene.
• The wolf was wailing in the distance.
• The child was wailing for his lost mother.
• The woman was wailing in despair after losing her job.
• The singer’s wailing voice echoed through the concert hall.
• The wind was wailing outside the window.
• The woman was wailing in grief after losing her husband.

These examples showcase the different contexts in which crying and wailing can be used in a sentence. While crying is typically associated with tears and sadness, wailing can be used to describe a more intense and mournful expression of emotions.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to expressing sadness or pain through sound, people often use the terms crying and wailing interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes people make when using crying and wailing interchangeably:

1. Using “Crying” To Describe Loud, Mournful Sounds

Crying is a general term that refers to the act of shedding tears as a result of pain, sadness, or joy. It does not necessarily involve making loud or mournful sounds. However, people often use the word “crying” to describe loud, mournful sounds, which is incorrect.

For example, if a person says, “I heard someone crying loudly last night,” they are likely referring to the sound of someone wailing, not just shedding tears.

2. Using “Wailing” To Describe Any Type Of Crying

Wailing, on the other hand, specifically refers to making loud, mournful sounds as an expression of grief or pain. It is not a general term for any type of crying.

For instance, if a person says, “I heard a baby wailing in the next room,” they are referring to a specific type of crying that is loud and mournful, not just any type of crying.

3. Using The Terms Interchangeably

The most common mistake people make is using the terms crying and wailing interchangeably. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of what the person is trying to convey.

For example, if a person says, “I heard someone crying all night,” it is unclear whether they are referring to someone shedding tears or someone making loud, mournful sounds. To avoid confusion, it is important to use the correct term for the type of sound being made.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, here are some tips:

• Use crying to describe the act of shedding tears, not loud, mournful sounds.
• Use wailing to describe loud, mournful sounds specifically.
• Avoid using the terms interchangeably.
• Be specific in your language to avoid confusion.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are using the correct term to describe the type of sound being made and avoid any misinterpretation.

Context Matters

When it comes to expressing emotions through sound, crying and wailing are two common options. However, the choice between the two can depend on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between crying and wailing might change:

Funeral

• In a funeral setting, crying is often seen as a more appropriate expression of grief. It is a quieter, more subdued sound that reflects the solemnity of the occasion.
• Wailing, on the other hand, may be seen as too loud and disruptive. It can be seen as a sign of disrespect to the deceased and their family.

Childbirth

• During childbirth, crying can be a natural response to pain and the overwhelming emotions of bringing a new life into the world.
• Wailing, however, may be seen as excessive and unnecessary. It can also be alarming to medical professionals who may interpret it as a sign of distress.

Protest

• In a protest setting, wailing can be a powerful tool for expressing anger and frustration. It is a loud, attention-grabbing sound that can draw people’s attention to the cause.
• Crying, on the other hand, may be seen as a sign of weakness or vulnerability. It may not have the same impact in a protest setting.

These are just a few examples of how the context can influence the choice between crying and wailing. It is important to consider the situation and the message you want to convey before deciding which sound to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using crying and wailing are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:

1. Cultural Differences

One exception to the rules for using crying and wailing is cultural differences. In some cultures, crying and wailing might have different meanings or connotations than in others. For example, in some cultures, wailing might be seen as a form of mourning or expressing grief, while in others it might be seen as a sign of weakness or immaturity.

Therefore, it’s important to consider the cultural context when using these words. Make sure you understand the cultural norms and expectations before using crying or wailing in your writing or speech.

2. Emotional Intensity

Another exception to the rules for using crying and wailing is emotional intensity. While crying and wailing are generally used to describe a person’s emotional state, there are times when the intensity of the emotion might not fit the typical definition of crying or wailing.

For example, a person might be so overwhelmed with emotion that they are unable to cry or wail. In this case, you might use words like “sobbing” or “weeping” to describe their emotional state instead.

3. Regional Variations

Finally, there are some regional variations in the use of crying and wailing. For example, in some parts of the world, wailing might be used more frequently than crying to describe a person’s emotional state.

It’s important to be aware of these regional variations when using crying and wailing in your writing or speech. Make sure you understand the cultural and regional context before using these words to describe a person’s emotional state.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between crying and wailing, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Complete the following sentences with the correct word: crying or wailing.

1. The baby was __________ because he was hungry.
2. The mourners were __________ during the funeral procession.
3. She couldn’t stop __________ after watching the sad movie.
4. The injured animal was __________ in pain.

Answer Key:

1. crying
2. wailing
3. crying
4. wailing

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the sentence with the correct word: crying or wailing.

Sentence	Word
The little girl was making a lot of noise and tears were streaming down her face.	crying
The woman was making loud, mournful sounds at the funeral.	wailing
The man was sobbing uncontrollably after receiving bad news.	crying
The animal was making loud, high-pitched noises after being hit by a car.	wailing

Answer Key:

Sentence	Word
The little girl was making a lot of noise and tears were streaming down her face.	crying
The woman was making loud, mournful sounds at the funeral.	wailing
The man was sobbing uncontrollably after receiving bad news.	crying
The animal was making loud, high-pitched noises after being hit by a car.	wailing

By completing these exercises, you should have a better understanding of how to use crying and wailing in sentences. Remember, crying is usually associated with tears and a softer sound, while wailing is associated with loud, mournful sounds.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between crying and wailing, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. While both refer to expressing sorrow or distress, crying is a more general term that can refer to any type of tears, while wailing specifically refers to loud, mournful cries.

It is important to pay attention to the nuances of language and choose the most appropriate word for the situation. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or miscommunication.

Key Takeaways:

• Crying and wailing are not interchangeable terms
• Crying is a more general term that can refer to any type of tears
• Wailing specifically refers to loud, mournful cries
• Choosing the appropriate word is important for clear communication

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. By continuing to study and improve our language use, we can become more effective communicators and better understand the world around us.